Reflecting on AKAA Art Fair 2025: A Celebration of Contemporary African Art
We are thrilled to share that OpenArtExchange recently participated in AKAA Art Fair Paris 2025! From October 23rd to 26th, our booth became a space for dialogue, discovery, and reflection, as we presented a carefully curated selection of contemporary African art to collectors, curators, and art enthusiasts from around the world.
About AKAA
AKAA – Also Known As Africa – is one of Europe’s leading art fairs dedicated to contemporary African art and design. It provides a vibrant platform for both established and emerging artists, fostering connections between creators, galleries, and collectors in a dynamic and engaging environment.
Our Presentation
This year, we showcased new works by Beninese artists Marcel Kpoho and Benjamin Deguenon, whose creations push the boundaries of expression and storytelling.
Marcel Kpoho (b. 1988, Porto Novo) transforms recycled tire slices into striking masks and sculptures. His work delves into the complexities of human nature, revealing both its darkest and most glorious facets.
Benjamin Deguenon (b. 1982) creates ceramic sculptures, paintings, and drawings that merge human and animal forms into hybrid beings. Through these expressive figures, he explores themes of identity, transformation, and the human condition.
Our Booth Story
At the heart of our presentation was the concept of duality, the interplay of light and darkness, man and nature, self and other. Kpoho and Deguenon’s works engage in a dialogue about the human experience, confronting its shadows not with fear, but with curiosity, reflection, and creativity.
Kpoho’s recycled-material sculptures reveal the elemental, raw aspects of humanity, while Deguenon’s hybrid figures invite empathy and introspection. Together, their works remind us that true humanity emerges in the tension between light and dark, and that embracing this duality can lead to balance and understanding.
Exciting Highlights
The fair was an incredible opportunity to meet so many wonderful people, from fellow galleries and collectors to passionate art lovers, sharing stimulating conversations about contemporary African art. We are deeply grateful for the connections and exchanges that enriched our experience at AKAA.
We are also proud to announce that one of our featured artworks by Benjamin Deguenon was selected among the ten favorite pieces by Manifesta, a dynamic space in Lyon, France, dedicated to promoting galleries and hosting temporary exhibitions. This recognition is a testament to the strength, originality, and resonance of our artists’ work.
AKAA 2025 was not just an exhibition, but a celebration of creativity, collaboration, and the transformative power of art. We look forward to continuing these conversations and sharing the incredible talent of African artists with the world.
Benjamin Deguenon, Dialogue Series, 2025 - Manifesta